A new gallery wing designed by Perkins+Will for NC State’s Gregg Museum of Art & Design has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level. The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the certification, recognizing excellence in sustainable design and construction for the 15,850-square-foot addition that hosts the majority of the museum’s gallery space.

“We are delighted for the architects and for NC State University that the Gregg Museum’s new galleries addition has achieved this status. It’s something they really deserve to be proud of,” said Roger Manley, the museum’s director.

Opened in August 2017, the Gregg Museum renovation and addition project included the new gallerywing and the historic chancellor’s residence on the University’s Raleigh campus.The building’s sustainable features include:

• Efficient design reduces energy costs by nearly 28 percent. The facility’s energy use is regularly measured to verify energy savings are achieved. Additionally, the building uses low-emitting refrigerants in its air conditioning systems, has low mercury lighting systems, and features a reflective roof that reduces heat absorption from the sun.
• Efficient plumbing and fixtures reduce potable water use by 22 percent. On the exterior, the building’s native and water efficient plants will reduce water use by 52 percent.
• Sustainable building materials including more than 25 percent made of recycled content. Nearly two-thirds of building materials came from manufacturers within 500 miles of the site, and half of the wood used in the building is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified for originating in a responsibly-managed forest.
• Healthy indoor air quality resulting from use of low-emitting interior adhesives, sealants, paint and flooring. Additionally, the project earned credits for sustainable construction processes, including diverting 63 percent of construction waste from the landfill to recycling or reuse.

“It was an honor to collaborate with NC State in accomplishing a design that champions our shared commitment to the environment and sustainability,” said Kenneth Luker, a principal with Perkins+Will. “By achieving LEED Gold certification, the Gregg Museum team created an example for others to replicate.”

Recently, the Museum was also recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Triangle Chapter with a 2018 Honor Award for its design, the chapter’s highest level of recognition.

The Gregg Museum addition is the thirteenth university construction or renovation project to earn LEED certification since 2011 after NC State began pursuing a minimum LEED Silver certification for all construction and renovation projects over 20,000 square feet.